Whether it’s playing nose guard in a 3-4 defense or defensive tackle in a 4-3 setup, Justin Taimatuia (Fort Scott, Kan./Fort Scott Community College) feels he is ready to contribute on an FBS level.

Finding and finalizing that winning program, however, has been the hardest part. Taimatuia is entertaining 10 offers and also is getting interest from several other BCS schools. Programs such as Boise State, Texas Tech, Indiana, Houston and Louisiana Tech have offered the 6-foot-1, 300-pound lineman thus far.

“Lately, recruiting’s been going good for me,” Taimatuia said. “I’ve had some doors open for me. Everybody’s been telling me I’d be the right fit for their program, but whatever God has planned for me, I’ll do.”

Taimatuia added that Pittsburgh, Utah State and Oregon State have been showing major interest lately. He said he will take a visit to Indiana on July 24 and also said he is planning on taking trips to Boise State, Houston and UTSA.

Taimatuia recorded 37 tackles, including five for loss, as a freshman last season for Fort Scott. Taimatuia was a defensive standout at Tafuna High School in American Samoa before taking his talents to Kansas and the junior college circuit.

Taimatuia said he has a goal of representing his Polynesian culture well with every play on the field, even more so once he chooses an FBS program.

“I want to go to a school where I can expose myself as a Samoan. I’m very proud to be Polynesian,” Taimatuia said. “I also want to go someplace where I can get a good degree. I’m interested in sociology.”